United States Department of State

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Washington, D.C. 20547

www.state.gov

Dear U.S. Based Training Program Alumni,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to you and the leadership of the U.S. Based Training Program Alumni Association for all of your work to promote international educational exchange. On this, the twentieth anniversary of the U.S. Based Training (USBT) program, please accept my heartfelt appreciation for all you have done to help so many young people realize their dreams through an educational program in the United States.

Since 1984, when the College Board offered the first USBT program with funding from the United States Information Agency, and in later years when Columbia University Teachers College and then NAFSA: Association of International Educators administered the program, the USBT has contributed to the professional training of advisers and fostered cultural and educational links between the United States and more than 100 countries worldwide. Because the USBT enables advisers to meet and get to know campus hosts, the program has helped establish enduring ties between U.S. professionals and overseas educational advisers.

As we move into the 21^st century, continued participation in and contribution to the USBT program by advisers, campus hosts and non-governmental organizations is critical. Our common goals and mission will continue to play a key role in developing long-lasting relationships that have expanded the program’s impact from advising centers to U.S. university campuses and to students around the world. I know the next twenty years of educational advising are in very good hands with you and with those who follow you as participants of the U.S. Based Training program.

Sincerely,

Mary F. Ashley,

Director

Office of Global Educational Programs

Since some of you have troubles with access to the USBT Reunion information, we open an easier way to do it.

Click here to register as a member of this website. (Nota bene. You must be a USBT alumnus/alumna, or work within the EducationUSA network.)

Click here to view the list of members.

Click here if you are a registered member, but forgot your password.

Click here if you want to update your profile or change your password.

Click here to confirm your participation in the USBT Reunion.

Be sure to include the following:

• your first and last names,
• organization/institution you represent,
• your position, and
• your city and country.

Click here to go to the confirmation list. (Nota bene. You must be registered as a member if this website to view the list.)

Click here for the list of reunion committees. (Nota bene. You must be registered as a member if this website to view the list.)

Changes to the United States Visa Process

The United States welcomes citizens from around the world who want to visit, study, and do business in our country. However, following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 we have had to make the following changes in processing visas for visitors.  These changes in procedures reflect our concern for ensuring the safety of U.S. residents and visitors alike, not a desire to make it more difficult for legitimate travelers to enter the U.S.

1. New Personal Appearance Requirements for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants: As of 1 August 2003, virtually all non-immigrant visa applicants worldwide will be required to appear in person before a consular officer.  As this will significantly increase the workloads of all consular sections, applicants should expect the waiting time for appointments to increase significantly.  We advise travelers to check the Embassy website before applying to find out the earliest available date for appointments and plan accordingly.  We recommend that you submit your visa application at least 6-8 weeks prior to your estimated travel date.  The only people who might be eligible for a visa without an interview are:

a) Children 16 years of age or under;
b) Persons 60 years of age or older;
c) Applicants who seek reissuance of the same classification of U.S. visa within twelve months of the expiration of a previously issued visa at the Embassy or Consulate for the district in which they are resident [applicants need to submit the original previous visa used to qualify];
d) Applicants for diplomatic or official visas.

However, any applicant may be subject to interview at the discretion of an officer.  Once called for an interview, you must appear before a consular officer before a visa can be issued; the interview cannot be waived.  If you do not fall into one of the categories listed above, you should plan on being interviewed in order to receive a visa.  Once you do receive a visa, we recommend that you keep it current to avoid future delays.  Emergencies and expedited interviews will be limited to cases involving death or serious medical problems.

2. Change in Photo Standards: All visa applicants must continue to submit two photographs with their application. However, as of 22 July 2003 the photo standard will change.

a) As of 22 July 2003 the photograph of each visa applicant must be an unmounted full-face photo taken within the past six months.  A “full face” photo is one in which the applicant is facing the camera directly, not looking down or to either side. In addition, the face should cover approximately 50 percent of the area of the photo.  This means that the head of the applicant, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom, and from hairline side-to-side. It is also preferable that the ears be exposed.

b) The photograph should measure 2 inches square (approximately 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inch (25mm to 35mm), with the eye level between 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches (28mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.  Photos may be in color or black and white, but must be taken against a white or off-white background. Photos may be stapled or glued to the application form, but staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant’s face.

3. Change in Application Form:  As of 22 July 2003, the Embassy will be using a new visa application form.  These forms will be available at all ELF-91 offices and on the Embassy’s website to be downloaded.  All visa applicants will now be required to submit two (2) application forms.  One form may be photocopied after the form has been filled in; however there must be an original signature on both copies of the application.  Additionally, ALL fields on the application form MUST be completed and should be completed in block letters.  Incomplete or unsigned application forms will not be accepted by the Embassy.  All other documentation requirements (including the DS-157 and DS-158) remain the same.

4. Machine-Readable Passports Required for all Visa Waiver Travelers: Beginning 1 October 2003, each Visa Waiver Program traveler must present a machine-readable passport in order to enter the U.S. visa-free.  Twenty-seven (27) countries currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

While most VWP countries began issuing machine-readable passports in the early or mid-1990s, travelers from countries such as Italy, Spain and Switzerland may find that they will either require a replacement passport or a non-immigrant visa to enter the U.S. This change includes all categories of passports—tourist, diplomatic and official. However, non-machine readable passports will remain valid for transit without visa purposes.  Families and groups should obtain an individual passport for each traveler, including infants, as families may be denied visa-free entry into the U.S. if the biodata for only one traveler is machine-readable.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (non-technical)

POWERPREP^® Software:

Preparation for the Computer-based TOEFL^® Test, Version 1.0

TOEFL Practice Tests, Volume 1

Question:  What should I do if I don't have access to a computer?

Answer:  You may check with your nearest library, college, or university to see if they have downloaded the CD-ROM software or would like to do so.  If you are inquiring from outside of the U.S., you may also check with your local educational advising center or view the materials at an Internet cafe.

Question:  I have not received my CD-ROM as promised and my test date is approaching.  What should I do?  Should I still show up to test if it does not arrive?

Answer:  Yes, you should still show up to test.  POWERPREP^® software is available by downloading it from the TOEFL Web site at www.toefl.org.

Question:  How do I know which study material to ask for when I register?

Answer:  You won't need to decide.  You will automatically receive the study material that corresponds with the test you will take.  If you are taking the computer-based test you will receive POWERPREP^® Software: Preparation for the Computer-based Test. If you are taking the paper-based test we will send you TOEFL Practice Tests, Volume 1.

Question:  I don't want to receive TOEFL Practice Tests, Volume 1. Can you mail me the Practice Tests, Volume 2 or the Test Preparation Kit instead?

Answer:  No, the TOEFL Practice Tests, Volume 1 is the study material being sent free of charge to those taking the paper-based test. The TOEFL Practice Tests, Volume 2 and Test Preparation Kit are not free. However, you can order them through the TOEFL Web site at www.toefl.org.  The fee for the Practice Tests, Volume 2 is $US32. The fee for the Test Preparation Kit is $US47.  Although neither product is a replacement for POWERPREP^® software, they can be used as additional English-language practice for the computer-based test.

Question:  I would like to get a refund for the fee I was charged at the Internet cafe or educational advising center for using their PC.  Is this possible?

Answer:  We are sorry, but we are not responsible for computer-use charges.

Question:  What do I need to do to get my CD-ROM shipped to me using priority or express mail service?

Answer:  Unfortunately, we are not offering express delivery service for the free test preparation material.  If you would like to access the material before you receive it in the mail, you can download the material for free from the TOEFL Web site.

Question:  I took the test in October and have registered to take it again in November; will I receive another CD-ROM?

Answer:  Yes.  The CD-ROM will be sent to every registered test taker no matter how many times a new registration is submitted. You can also download the software as many times as you would like from the TOEFL Web site.

Question:  I received the POWERPREP study material the first time.  Can I get the Practice Tests, Volume 1 this time, even though I'm again registered at a computer-based test center?

Answer:  No.  You will receive the study material that corresponds with the test you will take.  However, you can order other test preparation material from the TOEFL Web site.

Question:  I have not received my CD-ROM yet and would like ETS to send another. Is this possible?

Answer:  It would be easier and quicker for you to download it from the TOEFL Web site.

Question:  Can I get POWERPREP^® software without registering?

Answer:  Yes, you can download POWERPREP^® software by visiting the TOEFL Web site. This will help you prepare for the test even before you register. The CD-ROM, however, will only be mailed to you when you register to take the computer-based TOEFL test.

Question:  How long does it take to download POWERPREP^® software from the TOEFL Web site?

Answer:  The file size is 29.2MB due to the large sound files.  Depending on the Internet connection you have, the download time varies.  The times indicated below are estimates.

                        T1:  4.5 Minutes

                        Cable Modem:  72 Minutes

                        128 KB ISDN:  1 Hour, 30 Minutes

                        56 KB ISDN:  3 Hours

                        33.6 Modem:  3 Hours, 36 Minutes

                        28.8 Modem:  4 Hours, 12 Minutes

                        14.4 Modem:  9 Hours

                        9600 Modem:  12 Hours, 51 Minutes

Question:  I never received my CD-ROM.  Can I get a refund?

Answer:  I am sorry, but you are not entitled to a refund. There is no fee associated with the CD.  This is a complimentary service provided to registered test takers.  We mailed a copy to the address you provided at the time you registered.

Question:  If I reschedule my appointment, will I receive another CD-ROM?

Answer:  No, our system tracks previously mailed copies of POWERPREP^® software.  We would know that you already received one and would not send another.

Question:  What if I have a question about the software or need technical assistance?

Answer:  If you are experiencing problems downloading the POWERPREP^® software, please send your questions or a description of your problem to TOEFLTechSupport@ets.org. If you are experiencing problems with the installation of the software (following a successful download from the Web site or by using the CD-ROM supplied to you, you may email our technical support hotline at TOEFLTechSupport@ets.org or call 914-741-5922 in the United States.  Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST. This information is also provided in a technical FAQ for POWERPREP^® software.  You can access this page by going to http://www.toefl.org/testprep/prepindx.html and selecting POWERPREP^® FAQs.

Question:  How long does it take to receive POWERPREP^®  software in the mail?

Answer:  The timeframe varies depending on where you are located, but you should allow 7 to 10 days for receipt within the United States and Canada and 3 to 4 weeks for receipt outside of the United States. If you have access to the Internet, you may want to download the software from the TOEFL Web site instead of waiting for your CD-ROM, especially if your test date is approaching.

The English Language Learning program at ETS has announced it will provide TOEFL test preparation products to all students registering for the exam worldwide starting July 1, 2003. With support from the TOEFL Board, an independent body charged with governing the exam and its use, ETS decided to provide the preparation products with test registration to improve access to TOEFL questions and information for all potential test takers.

"Providing test preparation products free-of-charge to all registrants reflects the continuing commitment of ETS to help students be better prepared for study at institutions where English is the primary language of instruction," says Phil Everson, director of the English Language Learning program.

Beginning July 2003, a CD-ROM containing POWERPREP® Software: Preparation for the Computer-based TOEFL Test will be automatically mailed to individuals upon registering to take the computer-based TOEFL test.

As part of the continuing expansion of our online services, POWERPREP® Software will also be downloadable from www.toefl.org at no charge beginning in July. In addition, the TOEFL Sampler, containing 67 computer-based TOEFL test questions and tutorials, will be available for downloading at no charge.

POWERPREP® software is the only product available with timed computer-based tests operating under the authentic TOEFL testing protocol used by examinees around the world. POWERPREP® software includes:

• two timed computer-based tests
• three essay topics for writing practice
• samples of actual essay responses written by TOEFL test takers
• a score range provided upon completion of the test
• three basic computer-skills lessons on how to use a mouse, scroll text, and use testing tools
• four test tutorials explaining how to answer questions in each section of the test

As an accommodation to persons taking the paper-based TOEFL test, a copy of TOEFL Practice Tests, Volume 1, a paperback book containing two retired TOEFL tests and a CD ROM with authentic TOEFL listening questions, will be mailed upon test registration beginning in July.

ETS also recently announced the launch of Courseware and the TOEFL Academic Speaking Test; (TAST), innovative classroom and assessment tools that preview the next generation TOEFL test; coming in 2005. Check the TOEFL Web site at www.toefl.org for more information.